Parents Are People Too!

There are many types of role models in each of our lives but two people in your world will serve as a baseline for how you act for all of your life.  Your parents. 

While you are young, you experience their discipline, their love, their frustration.  As you grow into adulthood, you go down one of two paths.  You follow their example OR you become a better person than what you were taught.

It's hard to accept that your parents, no matter their mistakes, were probably overwhelmed, scared, sad, happy, depressed, anxious, excited, and all of the other human emotions we all feel.  To you, they are just MOM and DAD.  They didn't do this or they didn't do that.  You didn't get to do this or other kids got better gifts, trips, clothes, etc.  You blame them for your job, your relationships, your money problems.  You punish them by cutting them out of your life, excusing that behaviour by a huge rationalization.  He/She doesn't care anyway.  He/She is busy with their own life.

I'm here to tell you, parents have feelings.  It hurts when you don't call.  It hurts when you only come around when you need something.  It hurts when you forget that we would do anything to make life better for you.

We all have our "demons" of our past.  I have chosen to forgive.  I have chosen to love and count my blessings. 

Make the choice to start NEW today.  Show love and respect before it's too late.  Tomorrow may not come.  Choose to reach out. 

EVERYONE gets to choose!

Six People Away!

You are six people away from knowing everyone!

Do you believe that?  I do!  It happens to me all of the time.   I meet someone and before you know it, we are "friends" on Facebook.  Then, you notice a post on their "wall" from someone you know.  How in the WORLD do they know them?!?!?! ----probably your first reaction.

My cousin's wife in Springfield, MO has some connection to Brad Pitt, so that makes me four people away from BP.

During my hotel years, I met a couple of Secret Service agents that worked on the #1 detail for a period of time.  Let's see, so that made me three people away from POTUS.

I worked for a man at one of my jobs that is close friends with the CEO of a major Fortune 500 company.  One person away.

It goes on and on. 

I think that technology brings my theory to light a lot easier than without.  With sites such as Facebook, LinkedIN and Pinterest, we connect in a way we never have before.  Doors open, friendships are established and fences are mended with just a few keystrokes.

I would love to hear your SIX people away stories!

Feel free to share!

One step!

In my attempt to follow my own advice, I got busy this morning doing some online marketing, reading about leadership and making a list of to do's for one of the events I am planning.  It's amazing how bogged down and unproductive you get when you have idle time.

Starting a business is fascinating, scary, educational and most of all eye opening.  You jump into the experience full of life, positive thoughts, exciting ideas and the road seems very clear.  Then, you encounter bumps in the road in the form of financial stress, naysayers and "friends" that seem to disappear. 

The lessons, even though painful at times, are still very rewarding.  One cannot grow and improve without the bumps in the road. 

I am thankful for those that believe in me.  I am thankful for the friends that check in with me.  I am thankful for the friends that promote my business to help me achieve my dream.  I am thankful for the friends that I never hear from... YES.... that's right!!  I am of the belief that everything has a season and a reason.  Hears to you, my lost friend!  CHEERS!  You were in my life for a reason and for that I give thanks!

I will keep believing.  I will succeed.  I will cherish the lessons I am learning.

I will keep taking one step at a time.... forward!